FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2012
HUNTINGTON MAN SENTENCED TO 57 MONTHS IN PRISON ON FEDERAL DRUG CHARGE
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Christopher Landric Burton, 24, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers for distribution of crack cocaine. Burton previously pleaded guilty in January. Burton admitted that on September 23, 2010, he prearranged a crack cocaine transaction with a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent working undercover at the Smokin’ Aces store that was located in Huntington. Burton further admitted that while inside of the store, an associate placed a cellophane bag containing crack cocaine on a digital scale. Burton admitted that at the time of the illicit transaction, he replied “thirteen” in reference to the price of the crack cocaine. The defendant and his associate were subsequently provided with $1300 in official government funds in exchange for the crack cocaine. The illegal transaction was video recorded. Burton also admitted that he participated in four additional crack cocaine sales at the Smokin’ Aces store on September 2, September 7, September 9 and September 16, 2010.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey handled the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of a yearlong undercover operation that targeted illegal drugs and firearms crimes in the Huntington area. The operation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Huntington Police Department, and various other law enforcement agencies. It was announced to the public in March after a grand jury returned indictments against 55 defendants.
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